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Stepover apple advice

smileuk1smileuk1 Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg

Hello,

I have a small unused border next to the path to my front door.  I would like to plant some James Grieve 1 year old M27rootstock 'stepover' apple trees there.  I wondered if I could ask two questions for your opinion:

1.  What is a good cross-pollinator to grow next to this?  I live in cold Scotland.  I know that there are long lists available online but if anyone has advice then I would love to hear it!

2. Will this bed have to be free of any other plants?  I had planned on planting lots of tulip and crocus bulbs too (you know, so that there is something pretty there while the trees are getting going).  I read that the ground should  be 'grass and weed free' next to new stopover trees, and so I am now thinking that perhaps the bulbs will suck out all the goodness from the ground and leave nothing for the trees....

Would appreciate your thoughts and help!

Thanks!

 

Posts

  • Chrissy the gardenerChrissy the gardener Posts: 1,072

    Any Apple tree in the same pollination group should be planted with it, I don't know which sort grow well in Scotland but see what your neighbours are growing and see what varieties your local nursery is selling.

    Stepover apples and pears where used to edge vegetable plots in Victorian times and where very decreative has well as being useful.

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,325

    I would think underplanting with bulbs would be ok - i think it is the weeds you need to keep clear from the base of the trunk.

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,325

    Just checked the ashridge trees website (my bible for pollination adviceimage) - and James Grieve is a group C.  We grow Lord Lambourne and Sunset which are also "C"s so would be good pollinators for JG.  Both have lovely tasting apples - Sunset is like a cox, but easier to grow.  But I am in the south east of England, so very different conditions than you.  Good luck - i think stepover fruit trees are so prettyimageimage.

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,549
    Here is a helpful website:



    http://www.scottishfruittrees.com



    Can't make the link unfortunately.



    I grow all sorts of flowers under my tree. No problem. Masses of fruit.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    http://www.scottishfruittrees.com/Scottish_Fruit_Trees/Welcome.html

    I've done the link for you.

    I wouldn't grow plants around young fruit trees however I think a few spring bulbs would be fineimage

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,549
    Thanks for that. My toolbar has disappeared.

    image

    I find that the tree maybe actually benefits from having the flowers around because they get fed. They are bulbs and annuals.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    My fruit trees get fed in their own right - they don't have to rely on stealing the flowers' food image

    Re toolbar - have you checked your Settings - you should have Advanced Edit enabled image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 21,549
    I am advanced, but still a bit behind.image

    Oh yes, the trees get fed, but they like a bit of junk food too.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • smileuk1smileuk1 Posts: 2

    Thank you all for those useful comments!  Really helpful!  Any recommendations for good wire kits for supporting the trees?

    Thanks!

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